First Gen Week

What is First-Gen Week?

First Gen Week is held November 8th – 13th at UWM.

First Gen Week is a chance for UWM to discuss resources, mentorship, and community-building activities tailored for first-gen students, aiming to foster a more inclusive and supportive campus environment. We celebrate with events, activities, and workshops to celebrate and uplift first-generation students.

Our center hosts events across campus all week long! We offer a variety of activities like our First Gen Fest and Scholarship workshops. We partner with on-campus resources to connect you directly with the resources to help you thrive at UWM.

About National First-Gen Day

National First-Generation day is November 8th. It is celebrated by colleges nationwide every year, to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This act provided support and funding for colleges. This act was also responsible for creating resources like the TRIO Program, which supports students’ transition from high school to college, all the way to graduation.

First Gen Day is a celebration in the United States to honor first-generation college students, recognizing their achievements and resilience as they navigate higher education without parental experience in college. It is recognized by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and universities across the country to provide support and create awareness of the challenges faced by first-generation students.

For more information, check out FirstGenForward.org!

hand drawn 3d text reading "first gen grad" in yellow and white

We <3 First Gen Faculty and Staff

Much of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s staff are first-generation students turned educators, professors, service workers, directors, and managers— those who work to make UWM an educational landmark. We offer window clings to display in your office to let everyone know you are a proud first-gen graduate! They will be available for pick up in our office during first gen week.

Two individuals seated at a table engaged in a craft activity involving beads and string. The table is covered with a black cloth and has a smartphone, earphones, and several small containers of colorful beads. A bright multicolored pinwheel decoration in a teal bucket is placed on the right side of the table. In the background, there is a buffet setup with black tablecloths and silver serving trays against a yellow wall.
A person stands in front of a large whiteboard mounted on a yellow frame. The whiteboard has colorful text that reads, ‘Who has helped you on your UWM journey?’ Several small, brightly colored note cards are pinned to the board. Below the board, markers are lined up on a tray. To the right, there is a tall chair and part of a table visible, and the background shows a carpeted floor and neutral-colored walls.
A large event space with high ceilings and wave-like mesh panels overhead. Round tables covered with yellow and black tablecloths are arranged throughout the room, with chairs around each table. A large projection screen at the front displays the text ‘First College Student’ along with UWM branding. Several tables along the sides have banners and informational materials. The floor is dark wood, and the back wall is lined with tall green curtains.
An indoor event setting with a person standing at a table covered in a black cloth displaying informational materials. The table has several colorful flyers, brochures, and a sign promoting workshops. A wicker basket containing dollar bills is placed on the right side of the table. Behind the table is a green curtain covering the wall, and chairs are visible in the background.
An event space with round tables covered in yellow tablecloths and black chairs arranged around them. At the front of the room, a large projection screen displays the text ‘First Gen Fest’ with decorative hearts and stars, along with event details including time and location. The background features tall dark green curtains, and the floor is dark wood. Two people are standing near the center of the room, and colorful pinwheel decorations are visible on some tables.

Check out photos from First-Gen Week 2025

Print Your Own Zine!

yellow and black print our of 8-page zine in a cartoon style
click to download a printable version of the zine! Cut along dotted lines and fold along the solid lines. (Check out a tutorial)

UWM operates several different centers to support students in their academic, personal and professional growth, and we aim to enhance students’ knowledge and skills both inside and outside the classroom. UWM is also dedicated to preparing our students to meet workforce demands at the regional, state and global levels. The services provided by these centers play a vital role in helping students deepen their understanding of different perspectives and collaborate more effectively with people from various backgrounds and experiences. The centers regularly collaborate with each other and other campus units to provide exceptional programming and services to students, faculty, staff and the community. The centers and their programs and events are open to all students. Some programs and events may also be open to faculty, staff, and the community.